Quiksilver surf competition underway in Phuket

PHUKET: The Quiksilver Surf Phuket Thailand Competition 2011 started today, with famous surfers from around the region taking part in the first round of the men’s long board event.

There were 24 men taking part in the first round, which got underway off Loma Park in Patong at 2pm.

Tomorrow will see both men and women take to the gnarly, monsoon waves in the first round of the short board events.

Fifty-two surfers from many different countries will take part in the men’s short board, including such well-known board riders as Lee Wilson, Marlon Gerber, Pepen Hendrix and Wayan Merta with Tipi Jabrik of Indonesia, along with hometown favorites Jamie Smiths and Noppasit Boonchuay of Phuket, Thailand.

One rider to keep an eye on in the women’s short board event is 12-year-old Phuket native Annisa Flynn, who will be defending the title she won last year against much older competitors.

The competition will reach its climax on Saturday, when the final rounds of each event will take place.

Apart from surf competition, there are many fun activities for participants to take part in, including a “surf clinic” and games by sponsors including Nok Air, Roxy and ThaiBev.

The Phuket Gazette is a proud sponsor of this exciting event.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan